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Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Under the Milky Way (#IWSG) & ( #BOTB )

Insecure Writer's Support Group

We start the second half of 2015 with the first Wednesday falling on the first day of the month of July which as you probably know means it's time again for another edition of the Insecure Writer's Support Group, the monthly event hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh. This is the time when writers from all over the globe discuss writing and all of the conflicting good and bad feelings that come with the pursuit of the literary arts. This is a forum for commiseration and encouragement. Maybe things aren't going quite like you'd like or maybe you're a bit nervous about what the future holds. You might even be riding the high horse of success and feel like you're winning the race. Whatever your circumstance join us and tell us what you're thinking. When you finish with this portion of my post please continue on to vote on my Battle of the Bands post which you'll find on down the page.

Nothing New Under the Milky Way

As I'd indicated in my last #IWSG post, I've cut back for the summer as far as blogging and possibly for much else in the way of writing. Not many current writing insecurities at the moment. On the other hand the recurring thought at the back of my mind about whether I've got original ideas always tends to pop up now and then. Even this topic of originality seems like one I've done before or read on someone else's blog or possible both of these.

That's okay though. I don't know how many movies I've seen, books I've read, songs I've heard, or blog posts that I've composed seem vaguely familiar if not outright "been there done that." Originality is not all that original and everything is derivative of something that came before it. If this were not the case we probably wouldn't understand or even appreciate that totally new experience. As someone much wiser than I once said:

What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.------Ecclesiastes 1:9

Or to adapt that saying to my theme today: There is nothing new under the Milky Way. Since our sun is just one of a whole bunch of stars in our galaxy, that rephrasing makes the concept all the bigger. So I guess I'm not going to worry much about the concept of absolute originality. I'll just try to formulate that old idea that pops into my head into my own style and inject as much me into it as I can.

Battle of the Bands

Sultry summer days are here for many of us in the Northern Hemisphere and for those of us with unobstructed skies we may gaze up through the expanse of the Milky Way to wonder what's next for this small planet of ours. One thing that is now is another Battle of the Bands.It's July 1st, so since this event happens on the 1st and 15th of each month let's have some music fun and education. As I mentioned in my May 22nd post, this event has become a favorite of mine. We have Far Away Eyes atFar Away Seriesto thank for conceiving this homage to music. Stephen T McCarthy carried on from there and now has some of the list of participants atStMcC Presents Battle of the Bands. More participants can be found on my page and maybe even elsewhere. The premise is simple: Listen to the songs presented below and then in the comments vote for your favorite and tell us why you liked it. Then visit the links listed near the bottom of this post for more Battles to vote on.

If I were to compile a top 500 list of my favorite songs of all time, "Under the Milky Way" would undoubtedly fit somewhere on that list. I'm not sure how high I'd rank it since I'd need to start compiling that list and this would probably take some time. In fact, if I were doing a Soundtrack of My Life series like Robin at Your Daily Dose has been doing, I'd probably consider this song to be one of my picks.

This is one of those songs where I remember when I first heard it on the radio. The song really grabbed me and as soon as I made it to a record store I bought the cassette album that the song came from. Now not only is the song a favorite, I would probably list the band that originally recorded it--The Church--as one of my favorite bands. They've done some great music as far as my taste goes. If you would like to hear the original version of the song you can click here, but please don't vote on this version.

I had no idea how many artists had covered this song until I started exploring YouTube. There are some outstanding versions to be found so it was a tough selection for me. I finally narrowed the choices down to two that I found to be particularly interesting.

Also from Australia, Jimmy Little cites Nat King Cole and country music artist Jim Reeves as his major influences--interesting combination. Jimmy Little died in 2012 at age 75. In 2005 Little told Peter Thompson, on the ABC-TV program Talking Heads, how he would like to be remembered, "I just want people to remember me as a nice person who was fair-minded and had a bit of talent that put it to good use."[4] (cited from Wikipedia).

Time to Vote! Come on and join the fun! Please don't try to use the excuse that you don't like the music or you don't know the song. You don't have to like the music. Just let us know which version you prefer? It's up to you to determine the winner.

Please vote on your favorite by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the version you chose (or which one was the least bad to your ears). Then after you've finished here, please visit the other blogs listed below who may or may not be participating this time around. And if you've put up your own BOTB contest let us know that as well so we can vote on yours.

I'm going to cut the lead time to the winner announcement short this time around. You'll get the final vote tally for this Battle on my post of Monday July 6th. You can vote on today's Battle of the Bands post until Sunday July 5th which will be when I make my final vote count. Please vote!

Did you ever come up with an idea that you thought was completely original only to find that something like it had already been done before? Do you ever do a Google search for your ideas to see how original they are? Are you a fan of the song "Under the Milky Way" and/or the group The Church?

I definitely believe in the idea that there's nothing new under the sun/Milky Way. Humans pass around the same themes and stories over and over again, but I think that's a good thing, actually--because when we already understand a theme or idea, it helps us connect and identify with it in a story.

And I've always LOVED that song! Kill Hannah does a great cover of it too.

Under the Milky Way was introduced to me first by Sia. I had no clue this song was actually a remake, but I'm learning a lot about secondhand tunes through this fun meme. Although, I like Sia's version and I thought for sure I'd pick hers, but I thoroughly enjoyed Jimmy Little's smooth vocals and softer musical arrangement, which felt more right. Give my vote to Jimmy, Lee! Have fun this summer!

I like Sia's version a lot better. I am sort of irritable about much jazz. Prefer the slightly haunted guitar accompanied thing... And I have good news for you! You are the ARC winner from my VR Barkowski interview a couple weeks ago. She should be in touch by email to get your address.

I love the original under the milky way but for years and years I had no idea who sang it till a couple years ago. As for ideas, I generally don't have many except for crafts, and most of the time they are based on things I've already seen.

Patricia, I think rehashing is pretty common and there's nothing wrong with it as long as you're injecting something new or a unique twist. And even if you're not, the rehashed post might be new to some readers.

Great versions, both of them... But my vote is for Jimmy Little's. Probably because it sounds closer to the original (big fan here, too). And the jazzy feel comes through better, I feel.

About originality... When I came up with the title of the book I have coming out this summer, The Miracle of Small Things, I thought it was brilliantly original. This was like 2 years ago. Maybe a month ago I Googled it, just to see what came up. Lo and behold, all sorts of bible references :D (I probably would've known if I were a bible reader, right? ;) ) Then again, I'm a fan of TS Eliot, and wasn't it he that said, immature poets copy, mature poets steal or something like that? Originality isn't so much about the concept, I think, as about how you bring it off, how you convey it, whether you're able to establish a connection with your audience, and how powerful that connection gets. Tall order, I know :)

>>... Jimmy Little cites Nat King Cole and country music artist Jim Reeves as his major influences--interesting combination.

Yeah, LEE, that IS an interesting combination. It shows the guy had varied musical interests and wasn't locked into just one genre or style.

And by the way, I'm voting for JIMMY LITTLE, also. I liked his slow, easy vocal and the way he built the song gradually, first adding some background horns, then a female background singer, etc. Very nice song performed in a very pleasant way!

I've always liked that song too. It has a timeless feel even if it's pretty old by now. I like the Sia version! Some of her stuff I don't care for, but I LOVE Elastic Heart. I listen to it on repeat while working out.

Andrew, right now and for the next couple of weeks I'll be off the highways as I spend some time in a stationary location, but I'm still traveling life''s highway. Maybe the "life highway" metaphor was prompted by thinking how nothing is really new as in old metaphors?

Hi, Lee! I've been waiting for your post all day long and this is the first time it has appeared in my stream. I hope you are enjoying your trip across America.

I like the fact that this battle is between two Australian acts. In the past year I have come across more great Aussie artists than in all other years combined. I'm going to vote for artist #1, Sia, because there's a lot more going on in her recording. The bright, layered, full bodied production mix sparkles with energy. Jimmy Little's vocals are a little too laid back for my taste and the arrangement not quite as interesting. Please record my vote for Sia, good buddy, and thank you very much for the entertainment. Take care, Lee!

I think "originality" is a consistent topic on the mind of most every writer. I just had a great idea, and thought it truly original; then I read a short story compilation and one of the author had a very similar concept. Made me stop a moment and wonder if I should write the story after all. But, its not like there really ARE any new concepts right now; just different takes. I'll get back into my version soon :)

Top 500 favorite songs? Yeah, my list might be that long too, and I'm constantly adding to it with modern artists. Good luck filtering through it :) I'm feeling pretty laid back today - must be the heat - but Jimmy's is just a bit too slow today. Although I liked it a lot.

I actually liked both versions but I think the Sia version called to me more. There was also something familiar about it that I can't quite place. I don't recall hearing this song or either bands, but perhaps I've heard it covered by someone else.Vote - Sia

I don't think there's anything new under the sun, but it's what you bring to it, your style or your unique way of perceiving life, that makes your writing unique. I also thinking reading a lot or even watching a lot of films keeps you from writing what's already been done. It helps you be more aware of what's out there so you don't repeat it.

How appropriate the battle of the bands is to the idea of "Nothing new under the sun/Milky Way." They're doing the same song but making it their own. In this case I prefer the original, but oftentimes I like the covers better.

Oh Lee, you talk about originality: Right now I seem to have none. I'm in a complete creative funk, which translates to serious writers block as well. Couple that with a summer blues lack of ambition and I'm really in a rut! :) I agree with the passage about nothing being truly original. True originality is quite rare I think.As for the music: Australia sure turns out some great musicians. I loved Jimmy Little's humble attitude and how he wants to be remembered. Sounds like the kind of guy I would really like to hang out with. As for the battle though, I'm choosing Sia. I really like that version much better; I prefer the female vocals for this song (but I do like the horns in Little's version). My vote goes to Sia. Hope you're enjoying your vacation!

PS: I would vote for Church if it was in the running. They really rock this song. So good. I think I'm going to be playing it all night and many nights to come. I'll have to check out more of their music. I really like their sound.

I really like this song. I'm listening from a hotel in VA right now. For some reason my WiFi signal is fluctuating and the vids stop and start. I really had trouble with Sia's version of this song. But, no matter because I ADORE the Jimmy Little version. Just adore it. I may add it to my personal favorites. Thanks for sharing!!!

My wife and I both like the Sia version. Does that count as two votes or just agreement?

As for originality, even Shakespeare echoed the Greek playwrights many times. And I have to agree with the wise man who said, " I'll just try to formulate that old idea that pops into my head into my own style and inject as much me into it as I can."

Good morning, Lee; I only have a vague recollection of this song and didn't remember "The Church" at all, until I saw the video. Great vocals! As for the vote, I'm going with the smooth stylings of Jimmy Little.IMO, original ideas are rare, but interpretations can be unique.Wishing you a Happy 4th of July!

Sia for me! I don't give much thought to originality. I found trying to do something new just creates confusion for people. They can't relate it to anything they know, therefore can't relate. So I just do what pleases me, and maybe it'll please someone else as well. :)

Hi Lee - I enjoyed the Church version; thanks for posting the link. Also, the book of Ecclesiastes is a favorite of mine. Sia has a nice sound but I'm not into the female vocal presented. Jimmy Little is so comforting and easy listening. I think I'll listen to more of his music. Was that a steel guitar involved? (Maybe not, smile). It will be interesting to see how this battle turns out!

I like that verse from Ecclesiastes and I agree. I often wonder if some of my posts are repeating themselves or too similar to other things I've heard, but then I remember that verse. I also realize that I repeat some topics because there are still things I can learn from them or need to be reminded of.

My vote goes to Sia because I like her sound better and I'm not really a fan of smooth jazz.

Elizabeth, something good is worth repeating and even some trivial things need to be repeated because not everyone was listening the first time around. Some of my most visited posts were rehashes of my old topics that others have done as well.

I liked Jimmy Little's unique take on this song, along with the subtle jazz tempo. Sia just seemed like she was going through the motions with her version. Jimmy Little gets my vote. Hope you're having a great trip, Lee!

Sharon, your comment reminded me that I need to buy new earbuds for my brother. I've never felt comfortable with wearing anything to listen to music and prefer speakers. I listen to far less music than I used to.

Go ahead and say something. Don't be afraid to speak your mind.I normally try to respond to all comments in the comment section so please remember to check the "Email follow-up comments" box if you want to participate in the comment conversation.

For Battle of the Bands voting the "Anonymous" commenting option has been made available though this version is the least preferred. If voting using "anonymous" please include in your comment your name (first only is okay) and city you are voting from and the reason you chose the artist you did.

If you know me and want to comment but don't want to do it here, then you can send me an email @ jacksonlee51 at aol dot com.

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A juggler of words and phrases. My main blog is Tossing It Out. The focus blog for the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge can now be found at a-to-zchallenge.com where updates will be posted until the event in April begins.
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